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Patchy Membrane-Directed Multiphase Complex Coacervation
Siwen Sun1, Nadia Erkamp1, Sander G A M Huisman1
1Bio-Organic Chemistry, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers engineered artificial cells using a membrane strategy to control multiphase separation. This approach uses charged nanoparticles on membranes to create stable subcompartments, enhancing cellular functions like cargo uptake and communication.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular engineering
- Cellular engineering
- Materials science
Background:
- Multiphase separation is crucial for biological function in cells, occurring in bulk solutions or on membranes.
- Reproducing multiphase separation in artificial cells is challenging, especially concerning membrane interactions.
- Existing research primarily focuses on bulk properties, neglecting membrane-associated phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a membrane-based strategy for controlling multiphase separation in artificial cells.
- To investigate the role of interfacial electrostatic heterogeneity in governing multiphase separation.
- To engineer stable, functional subcompartments within artificial cells localized at membrane interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Integration of bowl-shaped polymer vesicles (stomatocytes) with negatively charged gold nanoparticles into terpolymer membranes.
- Creation of a patchy membrane architecture with localized, highly charged interfacial domains.
- Utilizing amylose-based coacervates and succinylated bovine serum albumin as phase-forming components.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise control over multiphase separation by modulating stomatocyte coverage.
- Achieved tunable size, spatial localization, and number of protein-enriched subdroplets.
- Enhanced multiphase stability against ionic strength and pH variations, improving storage stability.
- Showcased dynamic regulation of interfacial multiphase organization via ionic strength and temperature.
- Observed enhanced cargo uptake and spatial regulation of interprotocellular chemical communication.
Conclusions:
- Interfacial electrostatic heterogeneity is a versatile strategy for engineering membrane-associated multiphase protocells.
- Spatial organization within protocells governs molecular transport, catalysis, and communication.
- The developed method enables the creation of life-like features in artificial cells with enhanced functionality.
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